The Grey Dog

Heather discovered her love of hospitality at a young age, with her first job as hostess in her home state of Connecticut. After studying music in college and briefly working in that field, she returned to her calling by joining a prestigious New Jersey golf club, quickly demonstrating her aptitude for HR and being promoted to a management role. For the next six years, Heather would oversee the HR activities for the club, restaurant and bar, and for five years after that would continue to grow her career with Barcade and the Institute of Culinary Education. Heather's hands-on HR experience and love of hospitality helped pave her path to Empowered. Heather earned a bachelor's in music technology from Franklin Pierce University and has her SHRM-CP certification.

Ideal Restaurant Experience

If French onion soup is on the menu, it will be ordered! Regardless of what else I plan on ordering that night, it’s a must. To me, it is comfort, taste, and art - all in one ramekin!

What does "creating workplaces where people thrive" mean to you?

Thriving in a workplace means not only being appreciated by those you work with, but also appreciating your work. When the work a person does benefits others - an organization’s staff, management, or the industry in general - it creates a deep sense of satisfaction.

Melissa’s love for HR has grown over the past 10 years as she's worked in generalist roles across the quick service retail and hospitality industries in Australia and the US. Prior to joining E|H, Melissa implemented HR processes and systems for a fast-growing café & coffee shop concept with over 40 locations nationwide. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Melissa has always had a passion for travel and food, which has led her to visit over 40 countries and influenced her decision to move to New York City in 2017. Melissa has her bachelor's in psychology from Monash University and a graduate diploma in psychology from Deakin University. She is also a SHRM certified professional (SHRM-CP).

Ideal Restaurant Experience

The most special part about living in New York is having so many different cuisines at our fingertips. I love being able to experience the food of the world without leaving New York. My favorite places to eat are authentic, approachable and, most importantly, delicious! If I had to pick one food to eat forever it would no doubt be fried chicken!

What does "creating workplaces where people thrive" mean to you?

“Thriving” to me means being the best version of myself in all aspects of life -- at work and in my personal life, both mentally and physically.